Jordan’s Foreign Minister Engages with Syria’s New Leadership to Foster Cooperation
Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, expressing support for Syria’s reconstruction and discussing cooperation on trade, border management, and security. This visit is significant as it is the first by a senior Jordanian official since Assad’s fall. Jordan aims for stability in Syria to enhance its own security, while supporting voluntary refugee returns and maintaining border controls against smuggling activities.
Amman (AFP) – During a significant diplomatic encounter on Monday, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met with Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, emphasizing Jordan’s commitment to supporting Syria’s reconstruction efforts. This meeting marks the first visit to Syria by a senior Jordanian official since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. Images released by the Jordanian foreign ministry captured the moment of their handshake, symbolizing a potential pivot in relations.
The discussions included various aspects of cooperation, such as trade, border management, electricity connections, and security. As reported by Jordan’s Al-Mamlaka TV, Minister Safadi vocalized his support for a government that reflects diverse segments of the Syrian population and highlighted the importance of drafting a new constitution. He noted, “We agree to support the Syrian people in rebuilding their state,” adding that “the Arab countries agree to support Syria at this stage without any external interference.”
This meeting follows a recent summit held in Jordan, which brought together diplomats from Arab nations, Turkey, the EU, and the United States, advocating for a peaceful transition in Syria post-civil war. Sharaa, a leader of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has recently welcomed officials from various countries, indicating a growing acceptance of the new Syrian leadership.
A Jordanian official, spokesperson Mohamed Momani, reiterated the kingdom’s support for a stable Syria, underscoring the close ties between the two nations. He stated that Jordan’s interests align with restoring peace in Syria, noting that this stability would enhance security along its borders.
As part of the ongoing crisis resolution, there has been a noted return of some Syrian refugees residing in Jordan, with over 7,000 individuals reportedly returning home since 2011. The Jordanian government is committed to assisting refugees, maintaining that their return must be voluntary and facilitated under appropriate conditions. Recent years have seen Jordan intensifying its border controls, particularly against drug trafficking, including the prevalent smuggling of captagon to the Gulf region.
The meeting between Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Syria’s Ahmed al-Sharaa signifies a pivotal moment in Jordan’s foreign policy towards Syria, especially following the upheaval resulting from the Syrian civil war. Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad, Jordan has been concerned about security and stability along its border, as well as the welfare of the nearly 1.3 million Syrian refugees it hosts. This diplomatic engagement highlights Jordan’s efforts to foster a collaborative relationship with Syria’s new leadership amid a complex political environment.
In conclusion, the meeting between Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa underscores Jordan’s commitment to supporting Syria’s reconstruction and political stability. This significant diplomatic engagement reflects both countries’ aspirations for improved relations and collaborative efforts in addressing border security, trade, and humanitarian concerns. The developments in this meeting may set the tone for future engagements in the region, particularly in light of the ongoing circumstances surrounding the Syrian refugee situation.
Original Source: www.france24.com
